We've all used AI to save time, boost productivity, and generate content at a moment's notice. But what if our reliance on these tools is costing us something far more valuable than the minutes we save? In this candid talk, Williams, a marketer, shares a personal story of how an AI-generated strategy for a Nigerian tech company, while technically "good," was devoid of the soul and originality needed to connect with a real audience. He argues that the biggest threat of AI isn't that it will replace us, but that it will make us all sound the same, slowly dulling our creativity and unique voice. This talk is a powerful reminder to use AI as a tool to enhance our skills, not as a replacement for our own minds, and that in a world where everyone is using the same technology, our greatest competitive advantage remains our creativity.Tomide Williams is a product marketing manager, top LinkedIn marketing strategist, and a personal development enthusiast. With over 40,000 engaged followers on LinkedIn, Tomide is widely recognized for his ability to help businesses and individuals build powerful online identities, generate high-quality leads, and position themselves for long-term success.As the founder of CoterieX, a fast-growing personal development community, and LeadBound, a marketing agency focused on LinkedIn lead generation, Tomide specializes in growth strategies that blend digital advertising, audience psychology, and go-to-market execution. His approach helps tech, SaaS, and fintech companies optimize their social presence, attract strategic partnerships, and convert online influence into business results.But Tomide’s journey didn’t begin with success—it started with confusion. After graduating from university in 2021 without a clear direction or passion for his course of study, he found himself lost and battling self-doubt. That turning point sparked a transformation. In 2022, driven by the need to redefine his future, Tomide picked up his phone and started learning. He acquired new skills, explored his strengths, and stumbled upon LinkedIn—a platform that would soon change his life.In just a few months, Tomide went from complete obscurity to becoming one of Nigeria’s most impactful Gen Z creators. He built his personal brand from scratch, landed marketing roles and gigs, went viral, and began teaching others how to do the same. By October 2023, he was recognized as one of Favikon’s “Top 23 Fastest-Growing Creators” and was awarded Most Influential Gen Z of the Year by The Iconic Brand Africa.Tomide is also the convener of LinkedIn Local Jos, the largest LinkedIn Local event in Northern Nigeria, which attracted over 500 attendees. He is currently co-leading the initiative to host LinkedIn Local Nigeria, a massive event designed to reshape the narrative about Nigeria’s youth and bring together 5,000+ professionals and creators.Whether he's training brands on how to use LinkedIn for lead generation, helping startups scale through strategic messaging and high-ROI campaigns, or speaking on stages to inspire young professionals, Tomide remains driven by one core belief:"If it’s meant to be, then it’s up to me."This guiding principle, inspired by Brian Tracy’s No Excuses! and rooted in personal responsibility, fuels his mission to help others find clarity, take action, and break through their limitations—just as he did.Tomide Williams is not just a strategist. He’s a storyteller, builder, and community leader who is using digital platforms to ignite possibilities across Africa and beyond. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In this moving spoken-word performance, Sophia uses the powerful metaphor of pregnancy to explore the hidden burdens and beautiful possibilities we all carry within us. With profound empathy, she contrasts the visible joy of her own pregnancy with the unspoken pain of women who carry a "bump growing on lies" or a future born from violation. The performance then widens its lens, revealing that we are all "pregnant" with visions, voices, and versions of ourselves waiting to be born. This is a call to action for anyone holding back—a plea to push through fear and doubt to bring our silent songs, unheard words, and boundless dreams into the world. It is a powerful reminder that our stories, whether born from joy or pain, are meant to be shared, and that beneath the surface, there is always more to us than meets the eye. Sophia Olanrewaju, popularly known as Sophie Olan, is a lawyer, creative, and the Managing Partner at INKPACT LEGAL, a corporate legal firm providing business registration and compliance services to entrepreneurs and organizations.Beyond the boardroom, Sophia is a passionate Spoken Word Artist, known for her ability to communicate powerful stories through faith-rooted, soul-stirring poetry. Her writings explore themes of Christian identity, transformation, and real-life struggles, and she shares these works with a growing audience on her YouTube platform, SOPHIE OLAN.She also leads Freedom Chronicles, the writing and publishing arm of Citizens of Light Church Global, where she helps spread the message of freedom through print, under the mentorship of Apostle Muyiwa and Pastor Temitope Areo.Sophia is driven by her love for God, her calling to influence through words, and her mission to build strong systems—both in business and in faith. She is married to Joshua Olanrewaju, and they have two children. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In a world that worships hustle and constant connectivity, the idea of slowing down feels radical. But what if the secret to real growth isn't doing more, but stepping back? In this powerful talk, Pal shares his personal journey of being forced into isolation during the 2020 lockdown. He reveals how this period of profound quietness transformed him from a busy student into a focused visionary, leading to a profound shift in his goals and identity. Arguing that intentional solitude is not a punishment but a powerful tool for self-discovery, he provides a compelling case for the "Isolation Paradox"—the idea that by disconnecting from the noise of the world, we can sharpen our thoughts, find our purpose, and unlock a hidden self. He offers simple, practical steps to integrate moments of productive silence into our lives and reminds us that sometimes, the most radical thing we can do is just pause.Pal Wabuson is a visionary entrepreneur and strategist whose work spans media, real estate, and education. As Business Development Manager at 1159 Realty, he has guided hundreds of clients across five countries through land-banking and luxury property investments. He founded Hobert Media to help entrepreneurs build standout brands and Lions Path Initiative to empower emerging leaders. A Google-certified marketer trained at the Digital Marketing Institute (USA) and UC Davis—and currently pursuing an MBA at the University of East London—Pal combines cutting-edge strategies with hands-on experience. He also launched PAL-BASS Academy, training over 3,000 learners in 30 countries, reflecting his passion for unlocking potential and driving transformative growth.. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

When a man walks into her studio, tailor Adetosoye Omolabake doesn’t just see a client; she sees an unspoken story. In this heartfelt talk, Omolabake shares how she goes beyond the surface of her craft to listen to what her clients truly need—whether it’s a boost of confidence, a desire to be seen, or a simple affirmation of self-worth.By recounting the story of a custom-made kaftan, she reveals how paying attention and honing your skills can transform not just an outfit, but a person's entire day. This is a powerful reminder that every one of us has a gift that can be used to lift others, creating a ripple effect of dignity and transformation. Adetosoye Omolabake is a celebrated tailor for men, compere, and actor — widely recognized as “Labake of Many Colors.” She is the creative force behind Somebody’s Tailor, a thriving menswear brand built on excellent craftsmanship, quality fabrics, and timely delivery. For nearly five years, she has dressed modern men with intention and distinction, blending style and meaning into every stitch.A graduate of Plant Biology from the University of Ilorin, Omolabake has charted an unconventional path that proves brilliance can bloom outside the lines. Whether she’s tailoring bespoke kaftans, anchoring events with magnetic presence, or building gift experiences like ADEIFEMI’s package, one thing is constant: her commitment to doing everything — personal or professional — through divine guidance.Bougie, funny, deeply Christian, and exceptionally stylish, she brings color, purpose, and craftsmanship to everything her hands find to do. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

We've all been wowed by the cleverness of AI, from witty chatbots to self-driving cars. But in this thought-provoking talk, George Akande challenges us to look beyond the performance. He argues that while machines can mimic understanding—by generating creative content, offering advice, and even "roasting" us with perfect wit—they lack the one thing that makes understanding real: humanity.Through a series of compelling questions, he explores the critical difference between a machine’s programmed accuracy and a human’s deep-seated comprehension, which is forged through lived experience, emotion, and empathy. This talk is a powerful reminder that as we rely more on AI, we must not mistake its brilliant patterns for genuine understanding, nor should we ever outsource the uniquely human capacity for soul, insight, and accountability. George Akande is a software engineer with over six years of experience building scalable and impactful digital solutions across multiple industries. With expertise in both backend and frontend development, he has contributed to projects in fintech, e-commerce, and data analytics, leveraging technology to solve complex problems efficiently.I am passionate about innovation and knowledge sharing; I mentor aspiring developers and advocate for the use of technology to drive positive change. My work bridges the gap between technical excellence and real-world applications, ensuring that digital solutions are not only functional but also transformative. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

For too long, we've been told that innovation must look a certain way—foreign, high-tech, and often disconnected from our roots. But what if we've been looking in the wrong place? In this vibrant talk, Oyinlade challenges the notion that culture is a barrier to progress. Drawing on rich examples from everyday Nigerian life—from the genius of a market woman to the hyperlocal logistics of a motorcycle taxi rider—she argues that our traditions, customs, and communities are not just relics of the past but a powerful toolkit for the future.By weaving together the wisdom of ancient practices with modern technology, we can build solutions that are not only innovative but also authentic, sustainable, and deeply human. This talk is a call to recognize and leverage the genius that already exists in our own cultural backyard. Oyinlade Ojesanmi is a product innovator and cultural advocate passionate about driving impactful change at the intersection of technology and human experience. As the Growth Lead and Co-founder of Radii, she helps retailers turn fragmented data into actionable insights. She also brings her expertise to Paystack as a Developer Relations Specialist, connecting people, products, and possibilities.With a background in software development, entrepreneurship, and broadcasting, Oyinlade believes in innovation that goes beyond surface-level solutions and leverages culture to inspire creative problem-solving and meaningful transformation. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx